Verizon Fios Network Extender Setup Guide

In this article, you’ll learn how to do Verizon Fios network extender setup and get better in-building wireless services without changing your mobile phone.

The Network Extender is designed to integrate with existing networks so that users can enjoy Verizon wireless capabilities without the need to switch to a new carrier easily.

Connecting your phone to a Verizon Fios Network extender is a straightforward process. You’ll need to set up the extender, make a test phone call, set up the website admin user interface then configure the GPS antenna.

The Verizon Fios Network Extender has a web server so that you can set up your IP settings.

The network extender can adequately serve up to 14 active cell phone users and work perfectly within a 7500 square feet area.

Before beginning the installation process, ensure you familiarize yourself with the parts and the components and the theoretical aspect of the network extender.

System Requirements to set up Verizon Fios Network Extender

Internet Access

The Verizon Fios Network Extender must be connected to a modem or a router with always-on internet access.

To function properly, it should have a stable, minimum 10 Mbps download speed and a stable, minimum 5 Mbps upload speed.

The recommended download speeds are 20 Mbps or higher, and upload speeds are 10 Mbps or higher.

GPS Signal

The Verizon Fios Network Extender relies on continuous and reliable GPS signals.

The Network Extender must use the included GPS antenna for the automated setup process, and it’s recommended that you keep the Network Extender connected to a mobile phone for emergency calls.

12V DC Power Input

When using the Verizon Fios Network Extender, make sure to use the provided 12V DC power adapter.

If you use a different power source, it may damage the Network Extender.

Verizon Fios Network Extender Setup – Steps

Step #1 Network Extender Setup

The first step in Verizon Fios network extender setup instructions is to confirm that your package contains all components and that you’ve reviewed product safety and warranty documents.

The setup process shouldn’t take you more than an hour.

Follow this procedure to set up your network extender:

1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable to router then the other end to the network extender.
2. Connect the DC 12V power supply then turn it on.
3. Wait for 30 minutes and you should see a blue LED indicator to show “In Service”.
4. Press the button next to the display to show IP, MAC ID, device name other information.

Watch out for the indicator LED lights such as “Connected Devices” and “GPS Indicator“.

If you need to adjust the position of your extender on the wall mount bracket, make sure not to adjust it more than 22.5 degrees to the left or 30 degrees to the right.

Doing so may lead to the extender falling off from its bracket.

Note: To get the best results, the Verizon Fios Network Extender must be placed in an elevated place such as a bookshelf, cabinet or mounted high up a wall.

Step #2 Make a Call

You always have to ensure that your device is connected to the extender and that its appropriate receiving signals work.

As soon as you start using the phone with the network extender, you must be within 50 feet of it.

Here’s how to verify the phone is connected and make a call:

1. Go to phone Settings, then turn on Advanced Calling.
2. Dial #48 from your phone.
3. You should hear a confirmation that your device is under Network Extender coverage.
4. Check your phone home screen, which indicates the range.

On some Verizon devices, the Advanced Calling settings can be found in HD Voice, Wireless Calling, or VoLTE call.

Once you set up and verify the connection, you can use your phone generally by calling friends or family, texting or using data services.

You must notice a significant difference between the phone services through the extender and the phone services using signals directly from the cell tower.

Therefore, your calls should be more precise, and data services should be faster.

Note: The coverage from your LTE Network Extender may vary according to how much outside interference there is, as well as the strength of nearby cell towers.

Step #3 Admin Website Setup

You’ll have to sign up to the admin page, which will show you whether your network extender is on, whether GPS satellites signals are acquired, how many devices are connected, and whether you’re logged in.

The admin website setup is a must-do on how to setup Verizon Fios network extender because it shows your extender’s entire operations.

Follow these steps to set up the Admin Website section:

1. Get a computer, then connect it to the same WiFi as the Network Extender.
2. Get your Network Extender IP address by pressing the button next to the display.
3. Open a browser on the computer, then place the IP address.
4. You’ll get a welcome page, then sign in.

Information regarding your device is contained in the “Configure Your Device” tab. You can also set up the subnet mask, IP address, default getaway and DNS information.

In the Advanced Settings tab, you will find information about how your Network Extender is positioned with other Network Extenders in the network.

You will also find information about how the Network Extender communicates with Verizon cell sites in range.

Note: The Verizon Fios Network Extender is designed to configure automatically with little to no user involvement.

Step #4 External GPS Antenna

Suppose your Verizon network extender’s GPS reception is not adequate.

In that case, one good option is to connect the GPS antenna via an extension cable and place the antenna near a window or outside.

This should be the last step on connecting the phone to Verizon Fios Network Extender, and it won’t be necessary if your GPS reception works just fine.

Here’s how to set up a GPS antenna for your Verizon Network Extender:

1. Turn off the network extender.
2. Slide the protective cover, then pull the antenna from the network extender.
3. Use the GPS cable to connect one end to the antenna than the other end to the extender.
4. Place the GPS antenna near a window where the signal is stronger.
5. Turn on the Network Extender to allow detection of the satellite.

If you still cannot obtain a GPS fix, check the GPS status in the web admin area, then place the antenna in a different location in the house.

In some cases, you might need to take the antenna outside to get the signal.

NOTE: To get a location fix, the GPS extender must detect four strong GPS satellite signals. It may need 30 to 60 minutes to detect the signals.

Read Next: Can Someone See My Internet History if I Use Their WiFi?

Conclusion

The first step for connecting the Verizon Network Extender is to set it up in an ideal place, preferably mounted on a wall. The next step is to make a test call to ensure it’s connected, then set up the web admin page and the external GPS antenna.

Once you’ve learned the Verizon Fios network extender setup process, it’s essential to a table list of critical alarms that may halt the proper functioning of your network extender.

Most of the warnings will be displayed in the Website Admin interface.

It would be best if you don’t lose the manual if you need it to work your way around many issues you may encounter in the future.